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We arrived safely back home late Wednesday night. We are thankful for a successful surgery and recovery period. Now, it is back to the "normal" routine - school, work and everything else. The boys did go back to school today for a few hours, but it is definitely a little overwhelming for them, especially after being away for so long.

Jacob continues to remind us each day how nice it is not to wear pull-ups any longer. He loves being able to wear regular clothes without all of the added bulk. And we, as parents, also rejoice with him each time he mentions it. Praise God for the great things He has done.

On a separate, but related note, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our friends and family, and even those we do not know, for faithfully holding us up in prayer throughout this journey (and beyond).  We can boldly testify that God used these prayers to bring glory to His name and to hold us up during the most challenging times. 

In addition, we also want to throw out a special thanks to four groups of people, whose financial generosity continues to leave us in awe.  They are a school nurse, a school teacher and her extended family, a Sunday School class, a member of our church family and our anonymous "angel" (who supplied our wonderful van).

We will continue to (try to) provide periodic updates, espcially if something changes prior to our next visit to Hopkins. As of today, that will take place in June/July, when we plan to follow-up with each of his doctors and attend the annual exstrophy picnic.

We also hope that you all will continue to pray for us. Please pray that the cathing continues to get easier and that he will not get bladder stones, spasms or infections. Please pray that he will be able to get caught back up in school and that his nurse and other school staff will be able to adjust to the new cathing process. Please pray that he will gain some weight back. He lost about 8 pounds while away, which for him is a noticable amount. Please pray for the other aspects of his condition that we are currently monitoring - the tethered cord, spinal column, tip-toe walking, club foot, colostomy and continence stoma.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen"